Tasting Notes: Wandering Poet

rihaku_wandering_poetRihaku – Wandering Poet

Rihaku is proud to boast the highest average rice milling rate of all any other brewery in its prefecture (Shimane). This sake also proudly honors famous Chinese poet, Li Po (Rihaku in Japanese).

Rihaku Wandering Poet Sake Facts

Quality Grade: Junmai Ginjo
Seimaibuai: 55% (45% of rice grain polished away)
Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Yeast: #9
Nihonshu-do:3
Alcohol: 15.2%

Brewery Facts

Brewery Name: Rihaku Shuzo
Brewery Founded: 1882
Toji (master brewer): Mitsuo Yoskioka
Brewery President: Takejiro Tanaka
Also available in 300ml bottles.

Rihaku Wandering Poet Tasting Notes/Food Pairing:

This well-rounded sake with notes of banana and very-ripe honeydew aroma has clean, crisp acidity that highlights its light-to-medium body. The lingering finish moves from juicy fruitiness to green, herbal notes making it a great food companion. Ultimate sake to pair with wine-unfriendly vegetables.

Try with:

  • Asparagus with roasted-garlic aioli
  • Grilled herb-marinated artichokes
  • Sautéed broccoli rabe
  • Green salad with gorgonzola-herb dressing

Rihaku Wandering Poet Press:

88 Points, Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar, August 2007

“Very pale yellow. Assertive aromas of squash, banana and cantaloupe, with an intriguing saline quality that carries onto the palate. Flavorful and distinctly wine-like, with plenty of flavor and a clean finish. Not the subtlest sake in the Vine Connections portfolio but this is reportedly their #1 seller.”